The rising popularity of online shopping has made it harder for
consumers to spot fake products, leaving many buyers unaware of
the unpleasant chemicals inside them and the scarring effects
they can have on the skin.

When purchasing cosmetics online, consumers are unable to look,
feel or try a product beforehand, so checking authenticity is
virtually impossible.

Many vulnerable consumers are also unaware of the unhygienic
environments that these counterfeit products are produced in,
police say.

In an effort to tackle
the illicit trade, City of London Police has launched a
“Wake Up- don’t
fake up!” campaign
to highlight the dangers.

The campaign aims to educate online consumers on the fake
cosmetics industry and the dangers it poses.

Beauty Blogger, Megan House, told RT that online consumers should
always “trust their gut instinct” and try and figure out
when “something’s not right.”

House advises online consumers to “read reviews of the
product to ensure it is trustworthy” before buying.